But competition is also building at home in Canada, and local Toronto vegetarian restaurant owners should take note of their new competitors.

Los Angeles PR consultant Farrah Parker says that, on a fundamental level, “entering the vegetarian market allows a chain to offer additional products at higher price points, to increase overall sales goals.” But for local restaurants, she adds, “fast food chains entering the game does not automatically equate to defeat.”

That doesn’t mean there isn’t a fight coming. And it’s one with a lot of contenders, as other food industry giants prep to stake their claim on the $50 billion (U.S.) health food sector.

Recently, Starbucks Corp. launched its first juice bar in Washington under its newest brand, Evolution Fresh. Lyfe Kitchen (an acronym for Love Your Food Everyday) — founded by two former McDonalds executives and an Oprah Winfrey celebrity chef — opened its first restaurant in California with the promise of doing to healthy food what McDonald’s did for burgers and fries.

It may seem intimidating, but local restaurant owners like Jennifer Italiano, co-founder of Live Food Bar in Toronto, have found ways to embrace the change.

“People are becoming more conscious about healthy eating on a whole,” she says “The healthier the options, the better. Big businesses can help bring more awareness and everybody benefits.”

Dr. Douglas Graham, author and creator of the 80/10/10 Diet — a popular set of rules for eating raw, vegan foods — shares this view.

“The very fact that McDonald’s and other giants are catering to the demand for vegetarian and vegan food options is exceptionally telling,” he says. “They realize this portion of the population represents a large part of the market share, and that this demographic is growing, not shrinking. I see this as an extremely positive change.”

The Vegetarian Resource Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on vegetarianism and healthy eating, says more people than ever are aware of how standard North American eating habits can damage health, harm the environment and support animal cruelty — and that the trend is likely to continue.

Savvy local business people catering to this growing market must understand the upcoming competition. Here are some tips to help.

Promote quality

“Quality always sells, and people appreciate great service as much as the food they are served,” says Graham. “Rather than cutting corners, which is essentially trying to compete with the big guys at their game, improve the quality of the food and food service.”

Ambiance and food presentation are huge, he says, but cleanliness, hygiene, and many other details “are all essential to make your establishment better than the competition.”

“It might be worth investing more time in marketing and social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and blogging”, says Parker, adding that they’re free and easy methods to stay in touch with an audience.

Promote your uniqueness

“Have integrity”, Italiano says, “by standing behind your product, being consistent with who you are, and showing your individuality” to set yourself apart from the big guys.

Also, she adds, build a strong relationship with your surrounding community and local food suppliers to establish trust, and capitalize on the ability to have a closer connection to your customers than giant chains.

Strive to be innovative

“Focus in on areas you know are weaknesses for larger businesses – such as a personal touch,” says Parker, and campaign to draw attention to the little things you can’t put a price on.

“Local restaurants can personalize the dining experience by offering a more intimate environment”, she says, and are more likely to know their customers names.

Make the experience familiar and become a regular part of your customers’ routine.

When it comes to fast food chains entering the vegetarian food market, only one thing is certain. Regardless of size, successful businesses will be the ones that provide food that’s the most delicious, affordable, and convenient.

More on thestar.com

We value respectful and thoughtful discussion. Readers are encouraged to flag comments that fail to meet the standards outlined in our
Community Code of Conduct.
For further information, including our legal guidelines, please see our full website
Terms and Conditions.